June means that it’s officially time to kick off summer! With the new season comes so many ways to soak up the sun, enjoy local attractions, and indulge in all things uniquely Fairfax County. From fun festivals to firework shows, here's our roundup of things to do this month.
NEW OPENING: Try Your Hand at Perch Putt
Photo courtesy of Perch Putt
Get ready to swing, sip and socialize! Perch Putt brings 18 holes of miniature golf to the rooftop of Capital One Center at The Perch. Aside from putting around on the course, you can also enjoy all that the rooftop has to offer. Grab a bite from the food trucks (yes, food trucks on a rooftop!) - from street tacos at Los Dos Carlos to jerk chicken at Grandpa Hank's. Cool off with frozen drinks and tiki-style cocktails from Rhum Roost or a local brews from Starr Hill Biergarten. Be sure to also check the schedule for the rooftop amphitheater to catch some live music while you're there.
Hot Tip: Make a weekend of it! Take advantage of the chic accommodations at the new all-suites Watermark Hotel located adjacent to The Perch.
Enjoy Nostalgic Fun at the Carnival
June 2 - 5
Image Courtesy Herndon Festival
Nothing screams summer like a mouth full of cotton candy, the soft glow of a Ferris Wheel, and echoes of scream-laughter booming from thrill rides. Experience the sights, sounds, and aromas of the electrifying midway with exciting rides and games for all ages and a variety of tasty fair food. While we are all looking forward to the day when the full-scale Herndon Festival returns, this year the kids will be in all their glory as the annual event converts to the Herndon Carnival - a four-day celebration of all carnival rides! Enjoy games, food vendors, strolling entertainers, and a 5K race - not to mention free admission and a free shuttle bus! And remember, while in years past, the festival was held downtown, this year the Carnival will be back on the grounds of Northwest Federal Credit Union.
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
June 4
Northern Virginia’s BIGGEST, BADDEST, BONE-IN, BBQ Fest is HERE! This annual affair offers up all those pleasures that Southerners live by – Beer, Bourbon, Barbeque, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, Bluegrass, and Smoked Beasts! It’s a great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbecue eatin’. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon.
FREE Outdoor Concerts and Performances
The return of live music is back in full force in Fairfax County! There are hundreds of upcoming shows happening this summer that are perfect for a fun family outing, a date night, or just a nice way to spend time with friends. While you can still catch big-ticket performances at renowned performing arts venues like Wolf Trap, Jammin’ Java, George Mason University’s Center for the Arts, and others, you can’t beat free or minimally priced shows in a warm, outdoor setting on most nights of the week. All summer long you'll find these free outdoor performances around Fairfax County.
Celebrate Pride Month
June is annually recognized as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the United States to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. In celebration of Pride, Reston Pride puts on a community-wide Pride Festival at Lake Anne Plaza each June celebrating and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community featuring dance and vocal performances, keynote speakers, an awards ceremony, and more.
Paddles Up!
One of the most well-known landmarks in Fairfax County is the mighty Potomac River, running 405 miles long into the Chesapeake Bay. There's nothing like feeling the wind in your hair and gliding through miles of natural scenic landscapes. Whether you're kayaking, paddleboarding, or canoeing, there are plenty of places to go. Find your picture-perfect paddling adventure here on our boating page. If you'd prefer to embark on a guided tour this month, enjoy the Birding by Kayak tour on June 5 at Burke Lake Park to be amazed by abundant wildlife.
Juneteenth
June 19
It is known as "America's Second Independence Day." Yet there is no battle marking that day. No birthday of a new nation. Not even an anniversary of a document. Rather Juneteenth, the commemoration of freedom from slavery, commemorates June 19, 1865 - the date federal troops arrived in Galveston, TX to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and free the last Americans held in captivity. There are several ways you can mark this important date in American history here in Fairfax County - here are a few to add to your list this Juneteenth.
Early July 4th Celebrations
Begin your Independence Day celebration with a bang! Get an early start on the commemoration of American Independence at George Washington's Mount Vernon. Relax and enjoy a patriotic evening that includes dazzling fireworks and musical performances on June 24 and 25! Meet people from George Washington's world as you hear about their experiences during the War for Independence. Visit Washington’s Tomb at night—this event is one of the few times this area is open in the evening. Concessions from the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant will also be available. For more Independence Day festivities coming soon, bookmark this page and check back soon as more events will be added.
Tysons Corner Center Summerfest
Image Courtesy Barrel & Bushel
As if world-class shopping wasn't enough of a reason to fawn over Tysons Corner Center, they're serving up excitement all summer long on The Plaza! SUMMERFEST is filled with activations and events all summer long, such as live music, art, fitness, festivals, and more. See below for some of the exciting weekly events that will be held during June - plus a fur-tabulous Paws on the Plaza Pet Event on June 4 (more here):
|
Cornhole, Ping-Pong or Bingo |
Happy Hour on the Plaza |
|
Outdoor Fitness Classes |
Live Music |
"Wine" Down At The Vineyard
Wine lovers, rejoice! Who can resist a glass of chilled wine amid the scenic Virginia foothills on a warm summer day? Fairfax County is home to two expansive vineyards: Paradise Springs Winery and The Winery at Bull Run. There's even a micro-winery on Richmond Highway - Woodlawn Press Winery. Whether you enjoy a refreshing rosé, heavy-bodied red, or fruity white, there's always something to satisfy any palette at our local wineries.
Hot Tip: From June 1-10, The Winery at Bull Run is celebrating its 10th anniversary with exclusive deals! Enjoy 10% off all tours purchased June 1-10 (can be scheduled for up to 30 days in the future), buy 10 bottles get two free, and $10 off purchases of $100+ Mondays through Thursdays! More details here.
As you can see, there are many ways to spend this month in Fairfax County! What activities will you do first? Don't forget to tag us on social media using #FXVA and @VisitFairfax for a chance to be featured on our website or in future posts!
